First Boy Henry Holt, 2005, 197 pp. $16.95
Gary Schmidt ISBN 0-30-00923-0
What would you do if your whole life was a lie and you didn’t even know your real name? This is exactly what Cooper Jewett, a farm boy living in the New Hampshire countryside, has on his plate in First Boy. After his grandpa dies Cooper has no family. Both of his parents were killed in a car crash and now both of his grandparents have passed away. Everything is miserable, as it should be, until Cooper notices black sedans driving around. After a few days Senator Wickham, a presidential candidate in the upcoming election, approaches Cooper. The Senator wants Cooper to join him on his presidential campaign to show that he cares for farmers. As Cooper refuses to join him Cooper realizes strange horrible things are happening to him and the only way to stop it is to solve the biggest presidential scandal ever.
Schmidt brilliantly writes First Boy using amazing description as he tells the story of a simple farm boy’s world being turned upside down. First Boy is written such a way that even if nothing exciting is happening you can’t put down this political thriller.
I recommend this amazing book for people who enjoy the Shadow Children series. This book is good for people who are waiting for something amazing to happen to them because it shows that if you be yourself anything, even the impossible, can happen.
Among the Hidden Simon Schuster, March 1998 $5.99 160 pp.,
Margret Haddix ISBN-0-689-81700-2
What would you do if you couldn’t leave your house, ever? You would probably be bored out of your mind and have no social life, except with your family. Well, that is basicly Luke Garner’s Life. He is a ‘Shadow child’.
Luke is a third child also known as a ‘shadow child’. Shadow children are agasint the law due to the overpopulation and the decreased food supply, therefore it is illegal to have more than two children. Luke has been hiding almost his whole life. No outdoors, no school, no friends, no nothing. One day when Luke is home alone he saw something he shouldn’t have seen.
Luke discovers a face in his window, when two boys have already left that house. Another third child? Does Luke dare to explore?
I was drawn into this book by Margret Haddix’s style of writing. She made the end of every chapter suspenseful, this made me read on and on. I would recommend this book to any reader. If you enjoyed this book as much as I did, you might be happy to hear that ‘Among the Hidden’ is the first book of a series of six.
-Keegan
Among the Hidden Simon and Schuster, 2000, 150pp., $5.99
Margaret Peterson Haddix ISBN 9780689824753
Can you imagine what life would be like if you had to hide because if someone ever saw you, your entire family would die? This is the life of a 12 yr old boy named Luke who lives in hiding. The government has banned his existence to “ help” the country.
The nation is starving. There isn’t food for big families anymore, and because of this the government has created a law. It states that no family can have more than two kids. All third children are killed, except those who are hidden away. These children are kept from society and are called “shadow children”. There are shadow children all over the world and Among the Hidden shows the story of Luke. Luke is a shadow child and ever since he was born he was hidden on a huge farm where no one, but his family knew he ever existed. That all changed when half his land had been sold off and the barons are his new neighbors. This means Luke can’t step outside or even look out a window. Luke’s future seems pretty dim in his tiny attic where he lives, until he spots something that excites him. He sees a girl his age playing with two other brothers and he must find out who she is.
Among the Hidden is an amazing start to the “ Shadow Children” series. This series is perfect for every kid in the world because it shows how far people will go to achieve what is right. I chose this book because I needed something to do, but once I started the first book and finished it I bugged my parents over and over again until they bought me the next one. Margaret Haddix writes such a way that even if you want to put the book down it is glued to your hands and you are forced to read very last page. Her amazing imagination and vivid description leaves you thirsty for more.
By: Natasha
_
Olives Ocean
Kevin Henkes Greenwillow, 2002, 217 pp., $15.99
ISBN-0-06-053543-1 “Olive Barstow was dead. She’d been hit by a car on Monroe Street while riding her bicycle weeks ago. That was about all Martha knew.” Ever since the tragic accident of Olive Barstow, Martha can’t stop thinking about her. Which is weird because they were never really friends. She thought a family summer on Cape Cod would help banish these thoughts of Olive; instead this sets off a hurricane of thinking for Martha. Martha ends up staying at her Grandmother’s house , but things end up getting romantic when She falls for Jimmy Manning, the neighbor boy a couple of years older than herself. Will Martha forget about Olive and concentrate on her love life? As a third party observer, you cannot help, but be drawn into Martha’s world and indirectly into Olive’s as well. When you are drawn so far into a literary world hours pass by in a blink of an eye, and it is only the gentle reminder of your body reminding you that it is time to take nourishment that you actually pause to notice how far you have gone into Martha’s story. Through Henkes’ words I could feel Martha’s joy and sadness. I recommend this book for anyone who believes the world can change in a minute. -Sarah
Drama Club: The Fall Musical
Peter Lerangis
Speak Productions, 2007, 214 pp., $7.99
ISBN-978-0-14-2408865 “Opening night is like a movie premiere, the entire town rolls up to see the show. But only the talented make the cut- the prodigies, the singers, and the future stars.” It’s a new school year, and for Casey Chang it’s a chance to make a fresh start away from the bad memories in her old town. But for the Drama Club of Ridgefield High, it means a chance to recruit new members. And Brianna Glaser—the Type A co-president of the club—has her sights set on the new girl, Casey. But Casey soon finds herself sucked into the excitement and drama. For these kids, Drama Club isn’t just about a school play, it’s about passion and dreams and the future. All Casey wants is a new life for herself, but Drama Club has opened up a whole new world. Can Casey handle the Drama? I was immediately drawn into the Drama Club world of this book. The characters provide an enjoyable experience through each of their unique personalities. Peter Lerangis describes perfectly the way real school kids’ act and he evens adds a touch of advice on each page. I recommend this book if you have a secret desire to be a future actor. This book just might give you a little insight into what it takes to put on a production. -Sarah
Schools out – Forever Simon Pulse, 2006, pp. 461, $8.99
James Patterson ISBN 0-41256-3974
What would you do if you had just been discovered by the very people you had been trying to avoid, the FBI, … because you happen to have wings?
Well, despite how hard the main character Max and "the flock" tried, they are now being held by the FBI, but this time it is different. There are still tests, but not the kind genetically enhanced bird kids are used to. These tests are the kind in a classroom on paper, test any normal person is used to. Tests in an actual school that teaches you everything but surviving. And when at least two crazy, super powerful people with assassins at their beck and call are trying to kill you, history just doesn't cut it.
Schools out – Forever is the second book in the Maximum Ride trilogy. This amazing books are packed with clones, talking dogs, and egomaniacs trying to take over the world. This book really makes it impossible to tear yourself away! This beautifully written book made me feel like I was in it, and before I knew it, I had finished the entire book without stopping. I recommend this book to anyone who likes action.
By Paige
Elsewhere__ Douglas and Mclntyre Publishing Group, pp.275
Gabrielle Zevin ISBN# 0-374-32091-8
$16.00
Elizabeth (known to her friends as Liz) Hall’s life was a typical life. She went to school, had decent friends, and a great family. But when she becomes the victim of a hit and run, her life (or after-life) turned upside down.
This is a funny, fast-paced fantasy novel about dealing with the problems of your own death and being reborn. Zevin makes Liz’s character come to life in this fascinating new world of Elsewhere she has created. As the book progresses, the story draws you deeper into the lives of the dead.
FICTION BOOK REVIEWS
First Boy Henry Holt, 2005, 197 pp. $16.95
Gary Schmidt ISBN 0-30-00923-0
What would you do if your whole life was a lie and you didn’t even know your real name? This is exactly what Cooper Jewett, a farm boy living in the New Hampshire countryside, has on his plate in First Boy. After his grandpa dies Cooper has no family. Both of his parents were killed in a car crash and now both of his grandparents have passed away. Everything is miserable, as it should be, until Cooper notices black sedans driving around. After a few days Senator Wickham, a presidential candidate in the upcoming election, approaches Cooper. The Senator wants Cooper to join him on his presidential campaign to show that he cares for farmers. As Cooper refuses to join him Cooper realizes strange horrible things are happening to him and the only way to stop it is to solve the biggest presidential scandal ever.
Schmidt brilliantly writes First Boy using amazing description as he tells the story of a simple farm boy’s world being turned upside down. First Boy is written such a way that even if nothing exciting is happening you can’t put down this political thriller.
I recommend this amazing book for people who enjoy the Shadow Children series. This book is good for people who are waiting for something amazing to happen to them because it shows that if you be yourself anything, even the impossible, can happen.
Among the Hidden Simon Schuster, March 1998 $5.99 160 pp.,
Margret Haddix ISBN-0-689-81700-2
What would you do if you couldn’t leave your house, ever? You would probably be bored out of your mind and have no social life, except with your family. Well, that is basicly Luke Garner’s Life. He is a ‘Shadow child’.
Luke is a third child also known as a ‘shadow child’. Shadow children are agasint the law due to the overpopulation and the decreased food supply, therefore it is illegal to have more than two children. Luke has been hiding almost his whole life. No outdoors, no school, no friends, no nothing. One day when Luke is home alone he saw something he shouldn’t have seen.
Luke discovers a face in his window, when two boys have already left that house. Another third child? Does Luke dare to explore?
I was drawn into this book by Margret Haddix’s style of writing. She made the end of every chapter suspenseful, this made me read on and on. I would recommend this book to any reader. If you enjoyed this book as much as I did, you might be happy to hear that ‘Among the Hidden’ is the first book of a series of six.
-Keegan
Among the Hidden Simon and Schuster, 2000, 150pp., $5.99
Margaret Peterson Haddix ISBN 9780689824753
Can you imagine what life would be like if you had to hide because if someone ever saw you, your entire family would die? This is the life of a 12 yr old boy named Luke who lives in hiding. The government has banned his existence to “ help” the country.
The nation is starving. There isn’t food for big families anymore, and because of this the government has created a law. It states that no family can have more than two kids. All third children are killed, except those who are hidden away. These children are kept from society and are called “shadow children”. There are shadow children all over the world and Among the Hidden shows the story of Luke. Luke is a shadow child and ever since he was born he was hidden on a huge farm where no one, but his family knew he ever existed. That all changed when half his land had been sold off and the barons are his new neighbors. This means Luke can’t step outside or even look out a window. Luke’s future seems pretty dim in his tiny attic where he lives, until he spots something that excites him. He sees a girl his age playing with two other brothers and he must find out who she is.
Among the Hidden is an amazing start to the “ Shadow Children” series. This series is perfect for every kid in the world because it shows how far people will go to achieve what is right. I chose this book because I needed something to do, but once I started the first book and finished it I bugged my parents over and over again until they bought me the next one. Margaret Haddix writes such a way that even if you want to put the book down it is glued to your hands and you are forced to read very last page. Her amazing imagination and vivid description leaves you thirsty for more.
By: Natasha
_
Olives Ocean
Kevin Henkes
Greenwillow, 2002, 217 pp., $15.99
ISBN-0-06-053543-1
“Olive Barstow was dead. She’d been hit by a car on Monroe Street while riding her bicycle weeks ago. That was about all Martha knew.”
Ever since the tragic accident of Olive Barstow, Martha can’t stop thinking about her. Which is weird because they were never really friends. She thought a family summer on Cape Cod would help banish these thoughts of Olive; instead this sets off a hurricane of thinking for Martha. Martha ends up staying at her Grandmother’s house , but things end up getting romantic when She falls for Jimmy Manning, the neighbor boy a couple of years older than herself. Will Martha forget about Olive and concentrate on her love life?
As a third party observer, you cannot help, but be drawn into Martha’s world and indirectly into Olive’s as well. When you are drawn so far into a literary world hours pass by in a blink of an eye, and it is only the gentle reminder of your body reminding you that it is time to take nourishment that you actually pause to notice how far you have gone into Martha’s story. Through Henkes’ words I could feel Martha’s joy and sadness. I recommend this book for anyone who believes the world can change in a minute.
-Sarah
Drama Club: The Fall Musical
Peter Lerangis
Speak Productions, 2007, 214 pp., $7.99
ISBN-978-0-14-2408865
“Opening night is like a movie premiere, the entire town rolls up to see the show. But only the talented make the cut- the prodigies, the singers, and the future stars.”
It’s a new school year, and for Casey Chang it’s a chance to make a fresh start away from the bad memories in her old town. But for the Drama Club of Ridgefield High, it means a chance to recruit new members. And Brianna Glaser—the Type A co-president of the club—has her sights set on the new girl, Casey. But Casey soon finds herself sucked into the excitement and drama. For these kids, Drama Club isn’t just about a school play, it’s about passion and dreams and the future. All Casey wants is a new life for herself, but Drama Club has opened up a whole new world. Can Casey handle the Drama?
I was immediately drawn into the Drama Club world of this book. The characters provide an enjoyable experience through each of their unique personalities. Peter Lerangis describes perfectly the way real school kids’ act and he evens adds a touch of advice on each page. I recommend this book if you have a secret desire to be a future actor. This book just might give you a little insight into what it takes to put on a production.
-Sarah
Schools out – Forever Simon Pulse, 2006, pp. 461, $8.99
James Patterson ISBN 0-41256-3974
What would you do if you had just been discovered by the very people you had been trying to avoid, the FBI, … because you happen to have wings?
Well, despite how hard the main character Max and "the flock" tried, they are now being held by the FBI, but this time it is different. There are still tests, but not the kind genetically enhanced bird kids are used to. These tests are the kind in a classroom on paper, test any normal person is used to. Tests in an actual school that teaches you everything but surviving. And when at least two crazy, super powerful people with assassins at their beck and call are trying to kill you, history just doesn't cut it.
Schools out – Forever is the second book in the Maximum Ride trilogy. This amazing books are packed with clones, talking dogs, and egomaniacs trying to take over the world. This book really makes it impossible to tear yourself away! This beautifully written book made me feel like I was in it, and before I knew it, I had finished the entire book without stopping. I recommend this book to anyone who likes action.
By Paige
Elsewhere__ Douglas and Mclntyre Publishing Group, pp.275
Gabrielle Zevin ISBN# 0-374-32091-8
$16.00
Elizabeth (known to her friends as Liz) Hall’s life was a typical life. She went to school, had decent friends, and a great family. But when she becomes the victim of a hit and run, her life (or after-life) turned upside down.
This is a funny, fast-paced fantasy novel about dealing with the problems of your own death and being reborn. Zevin makes Liz’s character come to life in this fascinating new world of Elsewhere she has created. As the book progresses, the story draws you deeper into the lives of the dead.
Erica